Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Hubert de Givenchy - Fashion at the Thyssen-Bornemisza

On a note different from what I normally feature on this blog, I thought I would share some images from the recent exhibition on Hubert Givenchy at one of my favorite museums, El Museo de arte Thyssen-Bornemisza, in Madrid which my penpal kindly sent me.

Givenchy will forever be known for his relationship with celebrities, primary amongst them Audrey Hepburn, but also Jackie Kennedy Onassis, the Duchess of Windsor, and the list goes on.

I think these clothes appeal to me not only for the obvious reason, their beauty, but their architectural qualities and attention to detailing are astounding.

The use of vivid color and black together also is architecturally appealing.

Recognize Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's above?

Or Wallis Simpson, aka the Duchess of Windsor, in mourning here.

Or the Duchess again here in a striped gown. These clothes are iconic and a part of our culture; instantly recognizable.

Seeing some of these famous gowns in color, such as Jackie Kennedy's gown from the Paris opera, is a delightful surprise; cream and soft colors.

Bridal beyond boring white....

The details of this non-white wedding dress (emphasis on NO BORING WHITE) are amazing.

I don't even know how one makes something such as this!

Clothes make the woman or so one would believe based on the models below in the room entitled elegance and simplicity.

Who needs jewelry with clothes as beautiful as these?

While many of these gowns are surely dated would 'Fashion Police' mock them on the red carpet I wonder? Does style such as this date? Maybe the jackets.....

but what jackets they are!

Givenchy is a master of color - unusual colors - and pairings that give life to one another.

I'm sure the yellow/orange dress is difficult to wear but on the right woman....amazing.

And don't forget the hats!

Thanks to Neil for sharing his images with us all. See more on the exhibit at the museum website HERE, which includes the program and an interactive video walk-through of the exhibition.